When people think of video games they often think that they are stupid. Children spend hours wasting their time playing in these virtual worlds when they could be out in the real world running around, and interacting with people. However, who are we to judge something that we might have loved when we were growing up. Just because we did not have video games, and may not understand their appeal, does not mean that they can't be useful.
It is blatantly obvious that video games are not going anywhere, so why are we not trying to embrace them instead of tearing them down and taking them away. With technology today we might just find that teaching students through the use of video games may be more beneficial than in some traditional ways. In his own blog Brent Hunsberger (2010) discusses the use of video games to help students learn about managing finances. In all honesty money management is something that I myself never really learned in school. I can say that I never really learned the benefits and harm of having a credit card, how to balance a check book, and so much more that is crucial to being out in the real world today. With the economy and job market the way that it is, it is particularly important for children and young adults to know how to manage their money. Too often young adults buy on impulse, and the appeal of a credit card comes naturally, especially when you do not fully understand how they work.
It is time that we embrace what we have, and use technology to teach children, especially in areas of importance (i.e. money matters). In some Oregon schools teachers are trying to use technology in just this way. Brent Hunsberger (2010) discusses the use of the game Celebrity Calamity to help teach students financial literacy. In fact Hunsberger quotes in his blog, " In general, we learn by doing. We learn by getting quick feedback about the choices we pick. The actual process of playing the game is really the better way" (2010). I myself tried out the Celebrity Calamity game and found myself lost in the game after just a few short minutes. It was not only informative, but it was fun at the same time, and I realized that I was no longer going through the motions, but surprisingly I got really into the game too!
Of course technology does not always work for everyone, but us humans are no where near perfect ourselves. In an article for the Seattle Times Ben Feller wrote, "Unlike humans, the games never lose patience. And they are second nature to many kids" (2006). Until I read that quote I never thought of teaching in that aspect. With a video game the students have infinite chances to work on something (solve a problem, pass a level, etc.) without anyone else getting angry or upset. As teachers we can not help the fact that we are humans, and that we can lose patience with our students if they are not understanding a concept. Maybe with the motivation from teachers students may find video games to be much more effective, and they can learn at their own pace and ability.
Video games are no longer just for kids, and just for play. However, it is obvious that children are the ones that use them most often. If we take a look at the different video games that are out there in the world we can see how beneficial they might be to these students. We should not discriminate against something that we have yet to try, or that we might just be afraid of. If this is what students respond to, why are we forcing them to do something else. Like the English proverb says, "If the mountain won't come to Mohammed, then Mohammed must go to the mountain." Maybe it is time we stop fighting technology, and go to the mountain ourselves. Who knows, you may find it more beneficial than you expected.
Articles: Teaching money management through video games.
GAME: Celebrity Calamity
VIDEO: Video games in Education
-Ellen
2 comments:
"When people think of video games they often think that they are stupid. Children spend hours wasting their time playing in these virtual worlds when they could be out in the real world running around, and interacting with people. "
This is the crux of the argument against video games. Children spend enough time at home playing recreational video games and not interacting with their environment/friends. It would be excessive to then have them wrapped up in video games in school as well. Though it would be nice if every problem or lesson could be taught with a video game, real life requires more. A "D-pad" will not be enough to thoroughly prepare children for the workforce, where games are not allowed. Maybe there is a human, not computer, resolution to unmotivated children and teachers?
-A. Nicole
I do not believe that all teaching should be done through video games, but I do think that video games can be effective tools for teaching students, especially some complex concepts that are too difficult to just read about. Certain video games can help students, and adults alike, learn these concepts through play rather than reading about them in a book. Learning through such play will allow the students to interact, and better learn and understand the concept.
-Ellen
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